Health
Can space technologies improve drinking water quality?
The use of space technologies in different sectors of the EU economy has seen an increase lately. Advocates suggest that satellite data could help improve or even optimise production, from agricultural practices to drinking water processing.
Alternatives to animal testing – the state of progress
The EU ban on animal testing for cosmetic products came into force in 2013, although testing is still allowed in Europe for healthcare products and pharmaceuticals, as well as some chemicals and food.
Life-course immunisation
In his 2017 State of the Union speech, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said it was “unacceptable” that children are still dying from diseases that can easily be prevented with vaccines, like measles.
The real face of eczema in Europe
Atopic eczema has a long time been perceived as a superficial, trivial skin disease. However, a new study found that the chronic and relapsing nature of atopic eczema can impact greatly on patient well-being and quality of life.
A difficult balance: Science, politics and policy-making on food
The discussion about food policies in Europe is often heated up and quite frequently politicised. The right balance between science, politics and policy-making has always been difficult to achieve.
Promoting healthy lifestyles – which interventions are most effective?
EURACTIV analyses the existing challenges policymakers face when it comes to healthy lifestyles in the EU, as well as the several initiatives that have been taken ranging from food reformulation to action at school level.
The fight for viral hepatitis C elimination
The hepatitis C virus is a global public health threat with significant morbidity and mortality, and within Europe, the WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Region and the European Region have the highest reported prevalence.
Building partnerships: international development and sustainable business
The European Development Days has established itself as a key fixture in the world's development calendar. The EU plans to revamp its development tools and financial investment instruments in the next seven-year budget, increasing the role of the private sector.
The fine line between brands and health
For the World Health Organisation, plain packaging is considered an effective way to reduce the attractiveness of tobacco products and increase the effectiveness of health warnings. But the industry disagrees and points to a fine line between over-regulation and the need to protect consumers.
What is the potential of combination vaccines?
The rise of anti-vaccination campaigns has in recent years had a detrimental effect on EU public health as “forgotten” diseases such as measles re-appeared in Europe, raising eyebrows among policymakers.
How can we create sustainable healthcare systems?
The healthcare systems of EU member states are under huge pressure to meet the growing demand for care and simultaneously support innovation in the sector. Combined with an ageing population and the alarming burden of chronic illnesses, several experts emphasise...
Vaccination: Raising awareness against fake news
Up to 3 million people die every year from vaccine-preventable diseases. The rise of anti-vaccination campaigns has in recent years had a detrimental effect on EU public health as “forgotten” diseases such as measles re-appeared in Europe, raising eyebrows among...
Big data revolution and EU healthcare
The ongoing big data revolution could have a significant impact on health policies in the EU. EU policymakers say the big data could considerably change the way healthcare policies are shaped. Through a data-driven approach, health systems will be more...
Party smart: The battle against excessive drinking
Excessive alcohol consumption and binge drinking among young people in the EU has raised eyebrows in Brussels.
The true face of the second leading cause of death
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease that results in changes in several different parts of the respiratory system and lungs at the same time. COPD affects 1 to 4% of all European adults and costs the EU €50 billion every year.
Pharma innovation
Hit hard by austerity, the health systems of EU member states are under huge pressure. Combined with an aging population and the alarming burden of chronic illnesses, EU member states have targeted specific aspects of the incentives granted to the pharma industry in order to decrease drug prices.
Electronic immunisation record
An increase in vaccine hesitancy, combined with the insufficient preparedness of EU member state healthcare systems against infectious diseases, has raised eyebrows in Brussels and the EU capitals, which now seek ways to minimise outbreak risks.
‘Working’ toward healthy eating
People want healthy food. The question for policymakers now is, how do you make it most easy and cost-effective for them to get that food?
Regulating consumers?
Over the years, sales and marketing restrictions have piled up on food, drinks and alcohol products. Some are now beginning to worry about a “slippery slope” where tobacco-style regulations – and taxation – are being applied to a whole range of consumer products in the name of public health objectives.
World No Tobacco Day
According to the European Commission, tobacco consumption is considered the largest avoidable health risk and the most significant cause of premature death in the EU. Approximately 700,000 deaths every year are attributed to tobacco, while around 50% of smokers die prematurely.
Biotechnology in Europe
Biotechnology could help patients across Europe gain access to innovative therapies, for example, against rare diseases. Proponents of bio-medicines also claim that precision therapy, because it is more efficient, will ease the burden on member states’ ailing healthcare systems.
Rare cancers: Cracking the code
The growing number of cases of rare diseases has raised eyebrows in the EU and policymakers are now exploring ways to understand and tackle the complexity of the phenomenon.
Cardiovascular health in the UK
Although death rates have fallen substantially, cardiovascular disease remains the single biggest killer in the UK and Europe, as well as a sizeable economic burden. EURACTIV looks at the many facets of cardiovascular disease.